Spain: Father Attempts to Legally Block Daughter’s Euthanasia

A groundbreaking case is captivating Spain as a young woman fights for her right to euthanasia against her father’s wishes. The trial began on March 4, 2025, stirring national debate over the ethical and legal implications of euthanasia. The 23-year-old quadriplegic woman, who suffered injuries from a previous suicide attempt in 2022, seeks to end her life with the support of Catalonia’s regional government. In July 2024, the local council overseeing euthanasia unanimously approved her decision. However, the process was halted at the last minute due to legal objections filed by her father, backed by the conservative organization Christian Lawyers (Abogados Cristianos). She expressed feelings of loneliness and immense pain, emphasizing her desire for autonomy. Legal representatives argue there is no scientific evidence contradicting medical reports supporting her choice. Conversely, her father claims she suffers from personality disorder affecting her judgment and highlights her positive response to rehabilitation therapy. This case marks the first time a judge must decide on such an issue since Spain legalized euthanasia in 2021.